Friends Mourn Former Mayor's Wife, Dead At 93

While her husband was mayor, Mrs. Stryker welcomed leading dignitaries from all over the world to Williamsburg, including the Queen of England.

Friends described Mrs. Stryker as a sincere, religious lady revered for her wit, charm and sense of public service.

"She had a terrific sense of humor," said Shirley Low, a former City Council member who worked with Mrs. Stryker at Colonial Williamsburg. "She could tell some of the funniest stories you ever heard. She was a caring person, willing to give of herself in many ways."

Mayor John Hodges said, "She was a very gracious and lovely lady."

When Mrs. Stryker and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1973, she said she had never once thought of divorce. But typical of her good humor, she added, "Murder, yes. Divorce, no."

The Rev. Thomas E. Pugh, pastor emeritus of Williamsburg Baptist Church, where Mrs. Stryker was a longtime member, said, "She was a person of grace and dignity who always was concerned with helping people, never hurting people."

The Rev. W. Wayne Price, the church's current pastor, said, "When in the presence of Mrs. Stryker, you were in the presence of a lady.

"She was known for having greeted new members to the church with personal hand-written notes," Price said. "Many people still carry those notes. They were always upbeat, always encouraging."

The late Henry Stryker served as mayor of Williamsburg from 1948 to 1968.

Mrs. Stryker's survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Henry A.R. Peyton of Connecticut, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.